Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, a presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for a renewed sense of urgency to transform Ghana’s economy through industrialisation, STEM-based education and technology-driven growth, as the party prepares to elect its flagbearer on Saturday, January 31.
Addressing a news conference in Kumasi, Dr. Adutwum said Ghana risked being left behind if it failed to adapt quickly to global changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He stressed that the next president must possess the vision, competence and urgency required to reposition the country for accelerated development.
“We are in a fast-changing world. If we do not move with the speed of light, Ghana will be left behind,” he said, adding that leadership in the modern era must be anchored in innovation, education and strategic economic planning.
Dr. Adutwum said his campaign had taken him across the country, where he engaged party delegates and shared what he described as a hopeful vision for all Ghanaians, including workers, students, academics and entrepreneurs.
He emphasised that his message centred on inclusive growth and national renewal.
Reflecting on Ghana’s political history, the NPP aspirant acknowledged the contributions of past civilian and military leaders, from Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor, Jerry John Rawlings, John Evans Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama, as well as former military rulers.
He said each had played a role in the country’s development, but noted that the present moment demanded a new approach.
Dr. Adutwum cited examples from Singapore, China and India to underscore the importance of industrialisation and strong science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
He pointed to China’s transformation under Deng Xiaoping and India’s ambition to become a developed country by 2047 as lessons Ghana could draw from.
Referring to Ghana’s long-term development agenda, he noted that the National Development Planning Commission’s “Ghana at 100” vision projects a per capita income of about $50,000 by 2057, compared with the current level of about $3,000. Achieving that target, he argued, would require bold reforms and rapid progress.
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“To leapfrog inequality, we must add value to our primary products such as gold, diamonds and cocoa, pursue an export-driven economy and establish IT hubs across the country,” he said.
Dr. Adutwum proposed the creation of technology hubs linked to universities to help students develop skills in areas such as cybersecurity, content development and digital services, similar to India’s technology ecosystem in Bangalore. He said such initiatives would support job creation and position Ghana as a competitive technology hub in West Africa.
Highlighting his background in education, finance, management and leadership, Dr. Adutwum said he was well placed to lead the party into the 2028 general elections and secure victory.
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He also pledged to strengthen the welfare of party delegates and grassroots members to make the NPP more attractive and resilient, whether in government or in opposition.
“I am available to serve the party and the people of Ghana,” he said, appealing to delegates to give him the mandate to lead.
Source: Sarrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
